California Attorney General Rob Bonta joined a coalition of 13 attorneys general in seeking to intervene in the $14 billion Hewitt Packard Enterprises (HPE)/Juniper Networks merger while the merits of the settlement are evaluated by a judge. Before their merger, HPE and Juniper were rival networking equipment manufacturers. Last month, Attorney General Bonta opposed the U.S. Justice Department’s (U.S. DOJ) abrupt settlement of this merger amid allegations of backroom dealings and asked the judge overseeing the case to hold a hearing to determine if the merger is in the public interest. After reaching the settlement with U.S. DOJ, HPE and Juniper started the integration process — and in the filing today with the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of California, Attorney General Bonta asks to be allowed to participate directly in the investigative proceedings, which will allow California and other states to take further action to stop that merger integration process while the court evaluates the merits of the settlement.  

“Allegations that the Trump Administration approved a $14 billion merger because of backroom deals with their buddy lobbyists are extremely alarming. Regulators from across the political spectrum have argued that the Trump Administration’s approval of the HPE/Juniper merger is inadequate and potentially the result of backroom deals. As policymakers and leaders, we must wield the power of our offices for the good of the people — not to line the pockets of friends or prosecute people we do not agree with,” said Attorney General Bonta. “Today, we take action and ask the court to allow California and other states to participate in the court’s investigation of the HPE/Juniper merger settlement as it determines if the approval is in the best interest of the American people. My office is fully prepared to engage in the investigation — it is our duty to ensure the Trump Administration is using their power lawfully.”